Unit Cell Titanium Casting

Abstract

A system (5) and method (800) for unit cell casting of titanium or titanium-alloys is disclosed herein. The system (5) comprises an external chamber (45), a crucible (10) positioned within the external chamber (45), an induction coil (15) positioned around the crucible, an internal chamber (40) positioned within the external chamber (45), and a mold (30) positioned within the internal chamber (40). The external chamber (45) is evacuated and a pressurized gas is injected into the evacuated external chamber (45) to create a pressurized external chamber (45). An ingot (20) is melted within the crucible utilizing induction heating generated by the induction coil (15). The internal chamber (40) is evacuated to create an evacuated internal chamber (40). The titanium alloy material of the ingot (20) is completely transferred into the mold (30) from the crucible (10) using a pressure differential created between the external chamber (45) and the internal chamber (40).

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 436296 filed on Dec. 19, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 436830 filed on Dec. 20, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 436840 filed on Dec. 20, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 436987 filed on Dec. 20, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 437160 filed on December 21, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to precision titanium casting. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for precision titanium casting utilizing induction heating.Description of the Related Art[0004]Various methods of titanium casting are well-known. One such method is investment casting ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method for making castings using a crucible, which is a container used to contain the material before it is melted and evacuated into the pattern mold. The crucible is made with a single layer of Yttria, which is a material made of yttrium oxide, and multiple layers to increase strength. The layer is made of a binder and slurry ratio between 1:1.15 and 1:3.5. This method ensures the best performance from a single use crucible and makes creating them simple. Overall, the technical effect of this patent is a more efficient and effective method of making castings using a crucible.

Problems solved by technology

Vacuum induction smelting and vacuum electric arc smelting require the use of a water-cooled copper crucible which results in the loss of substantial heat.

Furthermore, the preparation of the molding shell is very complex and time consuming, which adds to the costs.

The molten titanium liquid will come into direct contact with water if the crucible cracks, resulting in a fierce reaction, or even explosion, which poses a great threat to production safety.

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